Cardiocom, a privately-held business in Chanhassen (it had fewer than 100 employees in 2011), uses devices, too, but they're more modest — home glucose monitors and scales that help doctors keep track of patients with chronic ailments like diabetes and heart failure. Its focus is chiefly on keeping patients from going back to the hospital.

The deal also gives Fridley-based Medtronic a new relationship with hospitals and insurers, who are some of Cardiocom's biggest customers.